A bale handler is a generic term describing a piece of farm implement used to transport hay or straw bales.[1] They are often removable attachments for tractors, skidsteers, telehandlers, loaders, and even pickup trucks with special beds.[2] They come in many different styles and formats. They can pinch, spear, hook and fork the bales, one or several at a time. The type of bale handling attachment will be built to handle the particular size and type of bale.
Bale spears can often move both round and square large bales.[3] [4] Bale squeezes are used with bales that are wrapped for silage,[5] large piles of large and small square bales,[6] as well as a special squeeze that can be used to unroll large round bales for winter feeding.[7] Bale handlers with hooks are used to move large and small bales.[8]
When connected to a tractor via the three-point linkage or front-loader.[9]